BUAV renews call to Air France to stop primate shipments following monkey slaughter on Mauritius

BUAV renews call to Air France to stop primate shipments following monkey slaughter on Mauritius

21/11/2012

The BUAV has renewed its call to Air France to end the transportation of primates destined for the research industry. The call follows the release by the BUAV of graphic images and details of the killing of hundreds of monkeys at Noveprim, one of the main primate breeding farms on Mauritius. Air France transports monkeys for Noveprim to the USA and France (to be distributed across Europe). Only recently a shipment of over 100 young monkeys was sent to a satellite breeding facility in Spain (Carmarles) via Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Photographs obtained by the BUAV show crates containing monkeys waiting to be loaded on to an Air France aircraft.

Our recent exposé of the monkey slaughter in Mauritius by Noveprim has been reported around the world. Graphic images showing discarded dead monkeys stacked in piles on the floor or dumped in bins and skips like garbage have resulted in widespread shock and condemnation. The animals, including pregnant females and youngsters, were killed because they were considered 'surplus' to requirements by Noveprim.

The BUAV has led the international campaign to end the cruel shipment of monkeys destined for research. Over the years, our efforts have moved many airlines to dissociate themselves from this cruel trade. Airlines that do not transport primates include American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Northwest Airlines, Qantas Airways, South African Airways, Delta Airlines, Air China, Eva Air, Qatar Airways and China Airlines. However, a small number of passenger airlines including Air France continue to be involved in this ugly business.

The BUAV also has launched a global AVAAZ petition urging the Mauritius Prime Minister to ban the breeding and export of primates for research. Please sign and share it with your friends and family. It is important that we demonstrate the strength of public opinion on this issue.